High-tech fun for 500 pupils

Hundreds of primary school pupils will explore cutting edge technology with 50 college students at an event jointly organised by Cardiff University and Bridgend College.

Bridgend College students, as part of their computing and engineering courses, will deliver hands-on workshops and activities to 500 pupils from schools around south Wales.

The pupils will take part in robotics-related activities using technology such as Raspberry Pi computers to help equip them with skills to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

The action takes place at Bridgend College on Thursday 26 April 2018 from 11:00 to 14:00.

Scott Morgan from Cardiff University’s School of Mathematics and Claire George, IT lecturer at Bridgend College, have organised the event, called SMILE Pi & Mash.

Scott said: “I am committed to enhancing collaboration in education and this event ties in directly with Cardiff University's civic mission to work with schools, colleges, organisations and communities across Wales.

“As part of the legacy of this event, we will strengthen links between our University, Bridgend College and many primary schools, with the hope of inspiring students from all backgrounds to engage with education and build, create and develop the technologies of the future.”

Claire said: “The Pi & Mash will push the curriculum boundaries and use evolving technology to develop innovative learning practices across primary schools and colleges. The main aim of the day is to learn, play and have fun. ”

The activities allow students to further develop their communication, leadership and problem solving skills as part of their BTEC Level 2 and 3 courses in computing and engineering.

The pupils meanwhile will develop their computational thinking and logic, but the emphasis is very much on learning through play and having fun.

The event is part of the broader SMILE (Student Motivation for Innovative Learning through Enterprise) project set up by Claire more than 10 years ago, with the primary aim of developing communication skills for FE college students through industrial and community placements, events and workshops.